What is the end of year showcase and party? 
  • Not your typical recital!
  • All our dancers (ages 2- Adult) will have the opportunity to perform on stage. 
  • Our showcase is held in the Auditorium of St. Kilian's in Farmingdale. We fill it with tables and chairs for our guests. 
  • We serve food for all our attendees. 
  • We teach a group Ceili lesson for all - no experience required! 
  • We hire a DJ - for dancing and activities throughout the event.
  • It's our more laid back and interactive recital experience - think a giant end of year party! 

Who's invited? 
  • All our dance families and friends. 
  • ​Tickets are required to enter the event. 
  • Dancers must also purchase tickets. 

What's a Ceili?
  • Ceilis are traditional group dances that were popular during community gatherings in Ireland. 
  • The term also refers to specific dances themselves, like The Siege of Ennis, which involve formations and movements performed in large groups. 
  • Our Ceili lesson is approachable for all ages and levels - we like to get everyone up and dancing with us during the event! (Worry less about your feet, and focus more on moving with the group). It's fun! 

Who performs?
  • Dancers from Kender Academy!
  • All our dancers are encouraged to participate - from our toddlers to our Adults. 
  • It's a great opportunity for our dancers to experience performing on a stage and in front of an audience. 
  • Our youngest dancers will be able to watch the older dancers and see where their dance journey can take them.
  • It's a celebration of all the hard work and skills acquired over the course of the year. 


2026 Showcase Information

  • Date: Sunday, June 7th 
  • Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
  • Location: St. Kilian's Auditorium
    • 50 Cherry St, Farmingdale, NY 11735
  • Ticket Sales: April 12th - May 31st
​Event Check-In Information
  1. All guests will check in at the Welcome Table using the name submitted on their registration form. Families will receive their assigned seating information and event wristbands at check-in.
  2. Wristbands will be used for food service throughout the event. To help keep food service organized and efficient, designated food stations will be available based on meal selection and dietary accommodations submitted during ticket registration.
  3. No digital or printed tickets will be used this year. Additional event check-in details will be emailed to families closer to the showcase date.

Event Timeline & Important Information

1:45 PM - Check-In Opens in the Auditorium Lobby
  • Families may begin checking in at the Welcome Table at 1:45 PM.
  • At check-in, families will receive:
    • Their assigned table information
    • Event wristbands for all guests
    • Please use the name submitted on your ticket registration form when checking in.
No printed or digital tickets are required this year.

2:00 PM - Doors Open & Food Service Begins
  • Auditorium Doors will open promptly at 2:00 PM.
  • Once you find your assigned table, please help yourself to the food station that corresponds with your wristband.
  • Food Stations:
    • Main Food Station - Blue Wristbands
    • Kids' Food Station - Pink Wristbands 
    • Gluten-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan Station - Orange Wristbands
  • To help food service run smoothly, please visit only the food station associated with your wristband.

2:20 PM - 2026 School Photo
  • All dancers will join us on stage for our annual Kender Academy School Photo.
  • Dancers should arrive dressed in their performance attire, including dance shoes, and ready to go for the group photo.
  • Following the photo, all dancers will head backstage to prepare for the showcase performances.

2:30 PM - Showcase Performance Begins
  • Our dancers will take the stage to celebrate all they have learned and accomplished throughout Season 5.
  • Following their performance, dancers will remain on stage to receive their End of Year Awards and Recognition.
  • After receiving their awards, dancers will be released back to their families to enjoy the remainder of the showcase and party.

3:15 (approx.) - Ceili Lesson
  • Everyone is invited to join our family-friendly Ceili lesson!
  • No experience is required. This traditional Irish group dance focuses on moving together as a group and is designed to be easy and fun for all ages.
  • We encourage all guests to get up and participate.

After the Ceili Lesson
  • Enjoy dessert, music, dancing, and activities as we celebrate another amazing season together!
  • See our DJ for Glitter Tattoos
  • Get up and move on the dance floor!  

​
2026 Performance Attire
Dancers should arrive fully dressed and ready to perform. After the performance portion of the event, dancers are welcome to change into other clothes for the party and activities.

  • Tiny Jig & Jump'n Jig
    • Black Jump'n Jig Leotard, Green Tutu, Poodle Socks, Black Ballet Shoes
  • Mini Jig
    • Black Jump'n Jig Leotard, Red Tutu, Poodle Socks, Black Ballet Shoes
  • Beginner
    • Kender Academy Class Uniform (Polo, Shorts, Poodle Socks) OR Black Leotard, Black Skater Skirt, Poodle Socks
    • Hair: Half Up / Half Down
  • Advanced Beginner/Novice
    • Kender Academy Performance Leotard, Skirt, Cape, Poodle Socks, Red Bow
    • Hair: Half Up / Half Down
  • Adult
    • Black long sleeve mock turtleneck leotard OR long sleeve black shirt with red skirt and black tights
    • OR Team Dress
    • Bun Wigs or Hair in a half up half down style 
  • Advanced
    • Kender Academy Team Dress, Black Tights

Additional Information

Parking is available:
  • In the rear parking lot attached to the school
  • Along nearby streets
  • In the parking lot across the street (metered parking may be in effect)

Young Guests:
A coloring table will be available throughout the event for our younger guests.


Glitter Tattoos
Our DJ will be providing glitter tattoos for all attendees.
Please wait until after the performance portion of the event before getting a glitter tattoo.


Dancer Attire & Changing
Dancers should arrive fully dressed and ready to perform.
After their performance and award presentation, dancers are welcome to change into other clothes for the remainder of the party.


Photos & Video
  • Families are welcome to take photos and videos of their own dancers throughout the event.
  • Please be respectful of performers and fellow audience members by avoiding blocking views during the showcase.
  • The performances will also be recorded by Kender Academy for our attendees. 

Please review this page carefully prior to the event.
On event day, staff will be focused on setup, check-in, performances, and activities, and will not be available to respond to emails, calls, or text messages.

2025 Season 4 Showcase Highlights

@kenderacademy Siege of Ennis Ceili Lesson at our End of the Year Dinner Dance □ so proud of all our guests for getting up and dancing with us! #irishdance #ceili #dancerecital #longisland #fyp #dancetok ♬ original sound - kenderacademy